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An Aberdeen medical student has won first prize in a national competition organised by the General Medical Council.

Bethany Lloyd, who is in her 5th Year, submitted a lesson plan on the topic of professionalism to the GMC’s Achieving good medical practice: summer break competition.

Her premise was to devise a lesson plan comparing safety checks and the professionalism expected of a skydiving instructor, with the safety and professionalism expected of a doctor.

Bethany’s entry beat off competition from 100 other medical students to make the shortlist of six, before she was declared the overall winner.

Her submission was praised by the panel of medical education experts for outlining some of the key themes of medical professionalism, in ‘an innovative and impactful way’.

Bethany’s prize is £300 in Amazon vouchers and has also been offered the opportunity to deliver her session to a group of delegates at the GMC conference on 6 December in London. The conference will focus on promoting and protecting medical professionalism in uncertain times, and will be attended by 300 doctors, medical students, employers and educators.

Bethany said: “My hope was that it would encourage students to think outside the box, and engage with discussions on improving professionalism in a fun and interesting way. I was delighted that the GMC liked it.

As a medical student you know how to behave professionally, but entering this competition reminded me how important it is to start thinking about the skills and ethical values that can help you through study, and into becoming a doctor."
Bethany Lloyd

“As a medical student you know how to behave professionally, but entering this competition reminded me how important it is to start thinking about the skills and ethical values that can help you through study, and into becoming a doctor.”

Head of the School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition at the University of Aberdeen, Professor Steve Heys said: “Congratulations to Bethany on this fantastic achievement and for helping put Aberdeen on the map for Professionalism teaching.”

Professor Terence Stephenson, Chair, General Medical Council said: “Bethany’s competition entry was a worthy winner because, as well as being enjoyable, it explored the importance of medical professionalism, and why that isn’t optional for doctors.

Medical students, who are studying to be the next generation of doctors, come into contact with patients who trust that doctors will help them improve their health. That trust demands professional behaviour no matter where a doctor is in their medical career, and a sound understanding of values such as safety, dignity and comfort. Bethany’s entry captured that very effectively.’

Katie Petty- Saphon, Chief Executive, Medical Schools Council said:“The quality of the entries received in this competition was testament to the extraordinary ability and thoughtfulness of UK medical students. While professionalism can be a complex area, it is necessary that medical students engage with it at an early stage. These entries show that medical students have the ability to do this, and to do so with real ingenuity.

“That Bethany’s entry came out on top of this excellent field demonstrates her creativity, insight and formidable teaching skills. She will be a credit to the profession.”